Do you look forward to church? Do unbelievers find God as a result of joining you in worship? In other words is worship evangelism a part of your thinking?
Scripture: Micah 4:1-2
In the last days the mountain of the Lord’s temple will be established
as the highest of the mountains;
it will be exalted above the hills,
and peoples will stream to it.
Many nations will come and say,
“Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord,
to the temple of the God of Jacob.
He will teach us his ways,
so that we may walk in his paths.”
The law will go out from Zion,
the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.
Worship Evangelism: Climbing God’s Mountain to Pray
Unless you grew up as a Jew, I doubt you’ve ever said those words, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord.” For the Jew this was the ultimate place to meet with God, the place where God meets man. They remember easily how Moses climbed Mount Sinai to meet with God, received the 10 commandments and so much more.
As Christians, we know God now meets us through Jesus by the Spirit in our hearts. He also meets us in our various corporate gatherings, but there is a day coming where we will all flock again to meet Him in the New Jerusalem.
Here’s my question for you and me: When is the last time you said to your family, to your friends or colleagues, “Come with me to the house of the Lord?” Are you excited by the proposition? Why or why not?
We live in what some would call a post-Christian age in the West. That means it’s no longer cool or normal to invite people to church. But if we believe in a God who made all people, we know he created us with a desire for Him, whether we can feel it or not. And what better place for people to connect with their Maker than where believers are gathered to learn His ways, meet with Him in worship, and find forgiveness from their sins. Maybe we need to redefine worship evangelism as more than bringing people to church?
Sally Morgenthaler wrote a book called Worship Evangelism (see here) where she wrestles with whether churches should consider their worship as evangelistic. It’s worth the read. For me I don’t need to go any further than 1 Corinthians 14:24-25:
But if an unbeliever or an inquirer comes in while everyone is prophesying, they are convicted of sin and are brought under judgment by all, as the secrets of their hearts are laid bare. So they will fall down and worship God, exclaiming, “God is really among you!”
Do you wonder whether your family or friends will find God’s house compelling? That’s not really our problem, it’s God’s. Yes we should try to remove cultural impediments, but people don’t come to our houses of worship to see the buildings, hear our music and sermons, or see how culturally relevant we are. Other believers care about those things, but the seeker is looking for God anywhere they can find Him.
At the core of each person is an innate desire to be reunited with their Maker. We have the opportunity to lead people to places where they can meet God. That doesn’t have to be in a house of worship, but it often is.
If you knew God had already invited someone you know to meet with Him today and He wanted you to deliver the invitation, would you do it? Consider how worship evangelism plays a part in your personal life and the life of your church.
Prayers for Today
Self: Lord, forgive me for creating all kinds of mental and physical barriers to inviting people I know and love to meet with You. Forgive my fear of rejection. Change the way I see You. I know You are the life-giver and I want my family, friends, colleagues, and neighbors to know You. Show me whom you are inviting today and give me the courage to extend the invitation.
Family: I pray that my family would see church as a place we get to go to meet with God. I pray for my ability to cultivate a longing and anticipation of what you’re going to do in our midst. Forgive me for my lack of expectation; surprise us with encounters with You each day.
Work: I pray that my eyes would be open to ways that you “show up” in my workplace today. In conversations and projects, I ask for chances to introduce my colleagues to you. Build bridges for sharing your good news, the Gospel. May I do all this in a way that honors my employer, my colleagues, and You.
Church: I pray that my church would be a place where people meet You every day and every week. Show our pastors and leaders how to remove cultural barriers to the communication of the Gospel. Give our worship leaders sensitivity to know how to introduce people to God each week.
Community: Lord, each week I drive by neighbors and friends who avoid going to church, whether consciously or unconsciously. I pray my enthusiasm for meeting with You would be so contagious that I can’t help wanting to invite them. Give me sensitivity to know on whose hearts You’re at work.
World: Jesus, you’ve promised that one day men and women from every nation will gather before your throne. I pray You would prosper and bless the work of missionaries and churches across the globe as we proclaim the good news and reconnect our fellow humans to You, their Maker.